On September 12, 1986, a Cessna T310R (registration N6171X) was involved in an aviation accident near Louisville, KY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of the overboard dump part of the exhaust system for the number one engine, which caused the engine to run rough and resulted in substantial damage to the cowling and wing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot executed a precautionary landing at Bowman Field after the left engine began running rough during a VFR cross-country flight, resulting in substantial damage to the cowling and wing.
What happened
The pilot was operating a VFR cross-country flight when the left engine began to run roughly. Due to the mechanical issue, the pilot decided to divert to Bowman Field. Upon arrival, the pilot executed a precautionary landing. After ensuring the aircraft was secure, the pilot left the aircraft with a fixed-base operator (FBO) for necessary repairs.
The investigation
A subsequent examination of the aircraft revealed that the overboard dump component of the exhaust system for the number one engine was missing. This absence contributed to substantial damage located inside the cowling area and on the bottom surface of the wing.
Probable cause
The loss of the overboard dump part of the exhaust system for the number one engine, which caused the engine to run rough and resulted in substantial damage to the cowling and wing.